Solon: MMDA chief using govt funds for 2010 bid

MANILA, Philippines – "I am afraid he is spending millions to paint the entire country pink." This was one of the many concerns raised by Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez on Friday during the plenary hearings on the proposed 2009 Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), where the opposition lawmaker questioned several MMDA projects under chairman Bayani Fernando. Complete with a slide presentation, Golez slammed the pink fences, footbridges, and tarpaulins of the MMDA, saying Fernando is spending millions of taxpayers' money to forward his political interests. "He's spending millions of pesos to fund his political color," said Golez, adding that the color pink is "intrusive" and "does not blend well with the environment." Fernando had earlier declared that he will run for the presidential post in 2010. Golez also expressed indignation at Fernando's "vulgarity" after the MMDA chairman confirmed reports quoting him as saying that he had intentionally given a "stupid" answer to Golez's EDSA speed limit query during the subcommittee hearings on the MMDA budget. Fernando had told the subcommittee headed by Muntinlupa City Rep. Rufino Biazon that there is no speed limit along EDSA. Through Biazon, who was defending the MMDA budget in plenary, Fernando confirmed a newspaper report quoting him as saying "[Golez's] stupid question deserves a stupid answer." Fernando also confirmed that he told one Philippine Military Academy graduate who was a fellow guest in a television show: "Talagang tinarantado ko na ang sagot sa kanila (I intentionally screwed up my answers)." The MMDA chairman, also through Biazon, explained that he said there is no speed limit along EDSA because the MMDA is still managing the traffic there. MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Executive Director Angelito Vergel De Dios and Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Alberto Suansing have said that Republic Act 4136, or The Land Transportation and Traffic Code, sets speed limits for all types of roads in the country, with a limit of 30 to 40 kilometers for "through streets" or boulevards such as EDSA. Golez expressed dismay that the MMDA chairman did not take seriously legitimate legislative inquiries about its traffic management function. He added that there is a need to ascertain that the MMDA's funds are not being used up for projects such as the controversial tarpaulins with Fernando's face advising the public to follow the law that are posted around Metro Manila. "We must support the institution but at least control the possible and apparent misuse of funds," said the lawmaker. The Department of Budget and Management has allotted P1.79 billion for the MMDA's 2009 budget, only about one-fourth the P5.9 budget being requested by the MMDA. The House is intent on passing the P1.41-trillion national budget on second reading before Congress takes a break on Saturday. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV